Character Analysis: 'Pretty Woman’s Edward Lewis

(Watch to about 3.20)

Richard Gere’s character in Pretty Woman is known as Edward Lewis and he is represented as a rich, successful and perhaps emotionless man.

He is represented as rich through mise-en-scène effectively. His house is a grand house in the ‘posh side’ of Hollywood and he is dressed in an expensive and sharp suit. Dialogue is also used to portray Richard’s character but also the theme of the film. His lawyer says “It’s all about the money”. His success also contributes to this representation as people approach him congratulating him. He is spoken about several times before we even showing him, representing his success ‘Where is the guest of honour?’ Through dialogue, we hear that Edward works with stocks and this strengthens the representation of a businessperson. His success and wealth is also shown through his pampered lifestyle, he does not appear to be able to drive and we can infer that he’s always being driven everywhere.

He appears to be a workaholic businessman, he speaks to his partner about not being able to see her and she says “I speak more to your secretary more than I speak to you,” and when he asked a former girlfriend whether it was the same for her, she replies “She was one of my Bridesmaids” showing that this was not a new thing. He spends little time with his guests, talking to his girlfriend as if it’s a business transaction and heading straight out, showing focus. His workaholic nature appears to have made him an emotionless character. When we first see him, he turns his back on the camera, as if preventing the audience from creating much of a relationship with him. 

He doesn’t seem too upset by the argument he has with his partner. His house, though posh, is very cold. There is very little personality (such as photos) and little colour. It has a clinical atmosphere to the house, because everything is white, and he does not seem too attached to it as a home as opposed just a place to stay as he leaves quickly. He shows no consideration to his guests as he leaves suggesting he doesn’t really have friends, just colleagues and other business partners or employees. 

This is Edward with his ex. You can also see the white clinical walls in the background